Through a new
collaborative initiative announced Sept. 24, the South Carolina
Research Authority (SCRA), MUSC and the City of Charleston, unveiled
plans and a preliminary building design for an innovation center to be
located at 645 Meeting St.

This initiative will provide a fully-renovated facility to attract and
support start-up companies with wet lab and equipment space primarily
in concert with MUSC researchers. With this collaboration, SCRA is
fulfilling legislative mandates identified in the Innovation Centers
Act focused on commercializing new knowledge-based health care
discoveries.

“We envision this innovation center will help attract more scientists,
generate more research and improve our ability to commercialize
intellectual property,” said MUSC President Ray Greenberg, M.D., Ph.D.

The property was provided by the City of Charleston through its Cooper
River Bridge Community Mitigation Partnership Agreement as part of its
commitment to boost economic development and investment for job
creation, said Charleston Mayor Joe Riley.

The location of the property also is a key location for an innovation
center, because it will provide easy access, visibility and economic
opportunity for the citizens of Charleston, said Bill Mahoney, SCRA
CEO.

“Once completed, this facility will be a technology-based cornerstone
for the upper Meeting Street area that will complement nearby retail
and residential developments,” Mahoney said.

SCRA is assisting in infrastructure development at the site and will
provide business support, equipment, technology resources and support.
SCRA also has pledged to work in collaboration with surrounding schools
and develop internships to encourage youth advancement into the higher
technology field, Riley said.

Friday, Oct. 17, 2008

The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.